Little Sakana (Mira Mesa)(lunch)

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk is at work on some important projects.  

We've been in this Mira Mesa neighborhood a lot lately, either meeting someone at the Starbucks or dropping into Hong Kong BBQ or R&B Filipino Cuisine. I had noticed Little Sakana while meeting clients at the 'new' Crab Hut (post to come) and finally had a few chances to drop in for lunch.   
We have tried to arrive near opening (11:30) to avoid crowds.  
One visit, we shared a cucumber salad appetizer ($6). Lightly dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil and interspersed with krab, this is quite large and refreshing. 
 The seven piece Assorted Tempura ($8) was a great way to 'test' the frying technique here.  Two shrimp and five different vegetable pieces (onion, squash, carrot, sweet potato and broccoli) were each crispy, not oily and went perfectly with the tempura dipping sauce.  The 12 piece fried calamari appetizer ($7) was filling and also properly fried.  The breading was crunchy, squid pieces fat and juicy and the Sriracha based dipping sauce was not overpowering. 
 The Shrimp Yakisoba lunch ($12) came with a choice of soup or salad and three beef potstickers.  Plump shrimp, plenty of fresh vegetables (red and green bell pepper, onion, broccoli and cabbage) and not much in the way of yakisoba noodles (which were so very good).    The Chicken Katsu Curry such special ($13) was also very fresh. This time, with miso soup and the same pot stickers (nice thin dumpling skin and quite a lot of filling).  The katsu fry was, again, proper-light, crispy, non-oily, leaving the chicken moist.  The curry sauce with the beef, potatoes, carrots and onions had a bit of sweetness and rich flavor that I crave on chilly days.  
  The Assorted Sashimi Salad ($15) could easily be shared.  This photo doesn't do it justice.  The lettuces are mixed and lightly coated with the sesame based dressing.  The fish includes raw tuna, seared tuna, hamachi, salmon and shrimp.  The salad is topped with a seaweed salad.  The large quantity of fish is interspersed throughout the lettuce.  Will order again. 

All in all, a very nice, large restaurant serving really good lunch specials and appetizers.  There are all sorts of weekday specials noted at the front door and apparently the sushi rolls and alcoholic beverages are a draw for most people (I really don't research places until writing a post; we drop in). There is also an 'All You Can Eat' option for both lunch and dinner.  A more or less 'traditional' menu which we will try again.  

Little Sakana 8270 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste E. San Diego 92126 (858) 860-5000 Open Sun-Th 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11. Sat 11:30-10:30 Website